Apple’s iOS 7 has gotten a lot of attention since its debut earlier this week. In fact, it received five million Twitter mentions in one day. But not all mentions were positive and some iPhone users say the new operating system hasn’t solved all their problems with the iPhone. However, you may want to download iOS 7 before your next trip, since the upgrade has some features that are especially beneficial for travel.
1. Pedestrian Navigation
One of the newest features of iOS7 is one that Android users are already familiar with: spoken step-by-step navigation for pedestrians. The iOS 6 version of the map only allowed for users to get driving directions but the iOS 7 map makes it easier to navigate through new cities on your trip. Apple maps has not reintroduced it’s transit option, but at least now you can walk to a location without your iPhone telling you to walk down an interstate–don’t miss 4 Ways to Get Around Apple Maps.
2. Find Popular Apps Using Your Location
With the iOS 7’s new app store you can use your location to find apps that are popular in your area. Wherever you may be traveling, you can automatically find apps dedicated to local food, attractions, public transportation and more.
3. Smart Photo Organization
Finding your pictures from that trip to Washington is easier now. iOS 7 now organizes pictures into several categories: Moments, Collections and Years. The Moments category is organized by the date and locations pictures were taken. The Collections category groups together Moments. The Year category sorts photos into a mosaic of thumbnail of all your pictures for that year.
4. Battery-Saving Settings
Quicker access to the control center from the home screen will allow you to keep your phone running while you’re out sightseeing. iOS 7 makes it easier to turn on airplane mode and change screen brightness. The control center is accessible by sliding your screen up. A settings window will pop up and allow to modify any settings eating up your battery. To close battery killing apps quickly, double tap the Home button, swipe the App you want to close them swipe the preview window.
Many iPhone users have experienced rapidly draining batteries and background apps, most notably Facebook, is often the cause. Now this can be easily stopped by going to Settings and switching off the Background App Refresh mode.
Not just shopping for an iPhone? Don’t Miss our report on the galaxy gear and all of Fall’s Hottest Travel Technology
By Judith Retana for PeterGreenberg.com
